A Massachusetts woman previously charged with a misdemeanor for nursing home abuse has now been charged with a felony count of assault and battery on a disabled person with injury. The crime is punishable by up to five years in prison.

The abuse happened at Springside Nursing Home in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The woman accused of abuse was drawing blood from a 59-year-old female stroke survivor. Witnesses say the Berkshire Medical Center phlebotomist continued to try to draw blood from the patient after the patient demanded she stop. Police say the patient’s arm was injured as a result.

The accused abuser, who was under contract from BMC to draw blood, has been barred from working at Springside Nursing Home.

Abuse of the elderly in our country is something that occurs all too frequently. If your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home–or if you suspect nursing home neglect or abuse–you should notify authorities immediately. You should also contact a nursing home abuse lawyer right away to help you best handle this difficult situation.